Ive got a pretty decent set of fluorescent T8 style florescent in three strips down the length of the shop. End to end, they are 8' doubles meaning each 8' length has 4 4' bulbs. This is spaced about 4' apart. I'm happy with the light as it throws little shadow and seems adequate for most things.
I hung a 4x4' bulb light over my router table as well as another 8' long 4 tube (4x4') light directly overtop of my bench. What really surprised me is that when I turn these "extra" lights on, I'm not very impressed. I thought I'd be "wow this is like an operating theater" but it only marginally brightens up those two locations.
A pal recently traded me a few 6 light "high Bay" T-5 fixtures. He has these in his machine shop but at about 10'. MY shop has an 8' ceiling.
The issue is I'd like more light (directly over the table saw and the router & bench) but his lights almost blind you if you look at them. Wow, they are bright. My older (prob dust covered T8's ) lights certainly don't shine that bright.
My question is this. I'd love more light but I'm not wanting to be "blinded". MY pal says he has to make a point of not looking directly into them or everywhere else in his shop looks darker. In their future location, I wouldn't really look directly into them as they'd be almost directly over top. Has anyone used these "High Bay" style T5 lights and if so, are you happy with them and do you think I can use them when mounted at a height of only 8'?